Washington, D.C., May 18, 2012 – Following months of hard work by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) and the lodging industry, the Department of Justice (DOJ) last night announced a substantial postponement of the ADA compliance date for existing pools and spas with ADA requirements for accessible entries. The new compliance date – January 31, 2013 – is more than an additional nine months beyond the original date of March 15, 2012.

The 2010 ADA Standards for pool access have significantly changed the requirements for municipal and private pools by requiring, for the first time, that they be equipped with independently useable pool lifts during all operating hours. Since the DOJ announced its intention to require lifts in nearly all pools, the hotel industry and others have opposed or sought clarification of this provision.

In October, 2010, the American Hotel & Lodging Association sought clarification of the pool lift requirements which become mandatory on March 15, 2012. The AH&LA noted that pool lifts, particularly fixed devices, are potentially dangerous to users and children playing around pools. Moreover, they can be quite costly to most pool operators. The industry’s concerns apparently fell on deaf ears as evidenced by the DOJ’s position issued this week. (more…)

That’s the word from Hershey, PA-based Hershey Entertainment & Resorts Company, which is suing the Radisson hotel chain for what the company claims is trademark infringement. The alleged infringement occurred when Radisson renamed one of its hotels last year, changing from Radisson Penn Harris to Radisson Harrisburg Hershey. Hershey claims it has exclusive rights to use the name Hershey in connection with “other goods and services, hotel, lodging and resort facility services.” Hershey contends that the Radisson is trying to trick travelers and damage the Hershey brand because it’s not in Hershey. The hotel is located approximately 14 miles west of Hershey.

Almost every state in the country has been experiencing below freezing weather this year. The mid-west and northeast states have been hit hard by the freezing weather. These states are used to this type of winter weather. The southern states, such as Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina are normally immune to the long periods of freezing weather. Not so during the winter of 2010 and 2011.

A freeze up condition of your sprinkler system can cause an obstruction that will prevent the sprinkler system from working properly. The sprinkler piping could also burst and cause extensive water damage to your building and contents.

The following are a few precautions you can take to help prevent the freezing of water-based sprinkler systems: (more…)

As an employer, you have a duty of care to ensure that employees are not injured during the course performing the duties of their employment. It can be tempting to funnel resources into areas where immediate profit is realized. DO NOT make that mistake.

A well run safety management program will not only improve the efficiency of your staff, it will also improve your bottom line by reducing costs. Injury to an employee can cost you in at least three ways: